On sale at ACE / Rocky’s for $90 with 2 batteries and charger plus hard case.Even though they’re Ni-Cad batteries , they have held up great for me to date. Over 3 years old now and still going strong. Mine came with their new charger that charges all types of DeWalt batteries. I would buy this kit again if I ever wear this one out : )

-- I'm absolutely positive that I couldn't be more uncertain!

11 replies so far

Dusty, I do prefer Lithium but for the price this one it’s a really good deal. I have 4 BO gun’s now, 2 Makita’s and two Ryobi’s all Lithium and 1 corded , but if I needed a new one this DeWalt would be a good choice for the price.

Well cared for NiCad battery drills can last a long time – that is a good deal. My old Ryobi 14.4V was a good daily workhorse for about 4 years (I could’ve maintained the battery better). Regardless, contractors and daily heavy users will choose the newer pricier Lithium offerings, although some “lesser” brands’ lithium batteries life spans seem to get poor, mixed and OK reviews on a lot of forums.

I found something very similar in a Porter Cable about two years ago for the same price. Still works fine to this day. Sometimes I like the Ni-Cad’s better, at least they give you a little warning you are running low, instead of just dying during the last screw, like the Lithium!

@ Tennessee, and all… I agree with you about not getting a warning “they just die”. For some reason I get a little perturbed when that happens. But I have learned to have a back up near by. I also think the NiCad gives you more working time. Lithium batteries must be constantly monitored and regulated so they don’t discharge below a certain voltage. The built in electronics detects the low voltage and cuts the power without warning to save the battery. I learned this when I started Flying RC model planes that use Lithium batteries. For those small batteries the cut off was 3 volts per cell. If the battery were to drain below that voltage they would be rendered useless. The charge would not re-charge them. I’m not sure what the cut off is for an 18V Drill is. But I believe it’s the same technology.

The only difference between the 18v and “20v Max” batteries are the way they connect. Both are 18v batteries (5 cells @3.6v), but they named the new ones different to avoid confusion with the old post-style batteries, which are not compatible with the new slide mount system. If you visit the DeWalt site, you will see the disclaimer in little tiny lettering at the bottom saying ”With respect to 20V MAX*:Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18.”

Dusty, thank you for the tip, but my 5 year old Millwaukee 18V just keep on going with the original batteriesso I will not need a replacement. My buddy has Dewalt in his shop and swears by them so I will pass this onto him.

You’re welcome, Gus : ) If the DeWalt ever dies, my next choice will be a Milwaukee , provided that they don’t get bought out and go downhill any further. : ) I know they’re still good , but just not what they used to be I’ve heard.